Putin Appoints Veteran Diplomat Alexander Darchiev as Ambassador to the U.S. in Effort to Thaw Relations

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Darchiev, a seasoned diplomat known for his outspoken criticism of the West, as Russia’s new ambassador to the United States. This move marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to improve U.S.-Russia relations, which have raised concerns in Ukraine and among European countries.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the appointment on Thursday, stating that Washington had agreed to Darchiev’s nomination following a meeting between Russian and U.S. officials in Turkey. Darchiev, who currently leads the Foreign Ministry’s North America department, will now take over the role of ambassador.This appointment follows a six-hour meeting in Istanbul last week, where both nations worked to restore normal embassy functions after years of tit-for-tat expulsions.

The talks have been seen as a sign of a potential thaw between the two countries, who have been at odds over several issues, including the war in Ukraine.In a significant shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has opened direct bilateral talks with Moscow, diverging from previous policies on the war in Ukraine. This included suspending military aid to Kyiv after a recent confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House.

Russia has not had an ambassador in Washington since last October when Anatoly Antonov, the previous envoy, left his post. Darchiev, 64, has previously served two long stints at Russia’s embassy in Washington and was the ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. He has been known for his sharp public criticisms of the United States and the West in recent years.In March 2022, Darchiev stated, “Apparently, Washington will need time to get used to the fact that its hegemony is in the past, and will have to reckon with the national interests of Russia, which has its own sphere of influence and responsibility.”